[billethkid]

Florida is what it is and The Villages discovered a very effective model for the sellers and the buyers.

FL is a location that has been under development for many, MANY years.....and in our "surrounding" area.....by The Villages (thankfully).....and if not The Villages then for sure some other developer.

[thelegges]

OP I don’t think your intention was to cause the uproar of extreme north compared to new south, but to new residents with very little first hand knowledge it causes a bad light on older areas. With short stays, and not yet a resident, your views are much different than residents who have lived here for multiple years.

In SS area’s, one thing you will find, as one ages you need less of everything, because you already own it, or gave it away. It’s a different vibe, with older gens mixing with the newer residents moving into homes vacated from aging or death. In 10 years the resident average age in SS could be less than say LSL or Brownwood, because they also will be aging in place.

Retail comes and goes no matter what part of the country you live in. Business fail, not because of seasonal flux, but poor business plan, or parent company dissolving. The old Red Lobster is already taking on new life, as is the locations in SS. When you have lived in TV for 10-20 years if one is lucky, you will see change just like my grandparents did when the horse and buggy became obsolete to the auto industry.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

TV's are continuing to struggle internally as residents age and the footprint gets larger. The oldest areas seem to be losing businesses as the shiny new areas develop. It seems to me that it would be very difficult to maintain a business with so many part time residents and an aging population that has less need, desire or ability to leave their homes to support them. Spanish Springs and Sumter landing are losing staple businesses, and there do not seem to be people knocking the doors down to fill any of them. Outside and nearby things are booming with construction and development. Perhaps the apartments, family areas and cheaper housing around TV will save the day. Perhaps the bubble will turn into a landlocked beach town where certain businesses close during off season periods. Your thoughts and opinions welcome. See you as a full-time neighbor coming early next year. Have a Great day!

Just wondering if you got what you were looking for?

[Aces4]

Maybe if you keep after him he'll learn only to post glamourous thought about The Villages.

To the OP, your observations are astute and when one has an outside clarity they can see things others can't. You're right, Spanish Springs is a shell of commercial activity it was back in the early 2000's. I believe in time, which most of us won't see, this will be just another Florida development for all ages.

Don't get your feather's up, as I said, I believe it will be years before that transition happens but nothing stays the same. For now, The Villages is what it is, an enclave of old people with cart paths and sameness. There are activities available and at this age, it is enough for many. But do bring your wallet!

[npwalters]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

TV's are continuing to struggle internally as residents age and the footprint gets larger. The oldest areas seem to be losing businesses as the shiny new areas develop. It seems to me that it would be very difficult to maintain a business with so many part time residents and an aging population that has less need, desire or ability to leave their homes to support them. Spanish Springs and Sumter landing are losing staple businesses, and there do not seem to be people knocking the doors down to fill any of them. Outside and nearby things are booming with construction and development. Perhaps the apartments, family areas and cheaper housing around TV will save the day. Perhaps the bubble will turn into a landlocked beach town where certain businesses close during off season periods. Your thoughts and opinions welcome. See you as a full-time neighbor coming early next year. Have a Great day!

Just ignore the "if you don't think everything is perfect here what the hell is wrong with you" responses. Your observations are valid and are good food for thought. Nothing wrong questioning the status quo.

The older areas south of 441 are actually getting younger every year. Our small cul de sac has had 6 older people die or move out in the last 5 years and all the homes were snapped up by younger owners.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Wondering why you want to become full time, with such doomsday forecasting?

Did you really read the comments as a "dooms day" prediction ? I understand how you interpreted the remarks, but I read it twice and think they might have just been remarking on what they have observed for a distance, and possible a few personal visits ? I didn't take the remarks to mean they are second guessing their decision to occupy their Villages home full time, just trying to get a "feeling" for what is actually going on. I'm sure we've all noticed the ever shifting patterns, but, seems to me that a fair number of "younger" (55-65) people are also moving into homes in the villages near Spanish Springs, the renovation and remodeling businesses seem to be booming (and I can see why, the models used in the villages around Spanish Springs are awesome, have features the newest models lack), and though many businesses, especially restaurants, have closed, new ones have taken their place and seem to be doing well !

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Did you really read the comments as a "dooms day" prediction ? I understand how you interpreted the remarks, but I read it twice and think they might have just been remarking on what they have observed for a distance, and possible a few personal visits ? I didn't take the remarks to mean they are second guessing their decision to occupy their Villages home full time, just trying to get a "feeling" for what is actually going on. I'm sure we've all noticed the ever shifting patterns, but, seems to me that a fair number of "younger" (55-65) people are also moving into homes in the villages near Spanish Springs, the renovation and remodeling businesses seem to be booming (and I can see why, the models used in the villages around Spanish Springs are awesome, have features the newest models lack), and though many businesses, especially restaurants, have closed, new ones have taken their place and seem to be doing well !

This is a great place to live but nothing in the world is perfect. Some people feel we have no right to complain about anything here.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Did you really read the comments as a "dooms day" prediction ? I understand how you interpreted the remarks, but I read it twice and think they might have just been remarking on what they have observed for a distance, and possible a few personal visits ? I didn't take the remarks to mean they are second guessing their decision to occupy their Villages home full time, just trying to get a "feeling" for what is actually going on. I'm sure we've all noticed the ever shifting patterns, but, seems to me that a fair number of "younger" (55-65) people are also moving into homes in the villages near Spanish Springs, the renovation and remodeling businesses seem to be booming (and I can see why, the models used in the villages around Spanish Springs are awesome, have features the newest models lack), and though many businesses, especially restaurants, have closed, new ones have taken their place and seem to be doing well !

As you point out as well as many others, the other side of the coin. The reality things are nothing akin to what OP is so worried about. Maybe “dooms day” was a little too strong. I agree with your assessment.

[MrFlorida]

All I need is an Aldi,Walmart. And Home Depot. I can cook for myself, fix stuff myself, and don't need fancy boutiques...to each his own.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

This place is not perfect but do not know of a better place for us.

Businesses come and go, another one will come to replace them.

And that’s the answer in a nutshell.

We don’t need any more people to make up false claims when they’re not even here. When I was looking for a different retirement place than the one I was in, I looked in several states and none of them had a tenth of what this place offers. And with the multimodal paths that all the way from north to south, l say it’s incredible.

People need other things to write about.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by Craig Vernon

TV's are continuing to struggle internally as residents age and the footprint gets larger. The oldest areas seem to be losing businesses as the shiny new areas develop. It seems to me that it would be very difficult to maintain a business with so many part time residents and an aging population that has less need, desire or ability to leave their homes to support them. Spanish Springs and Sumter landing are losing staple businesses, and there do not seem to be people knocking the doors down to fill any of them. Outside and nearby things are booming with construction and development. Perhaps the apartments, family areas and cheaper housing around TV will save the day. Perhaps the bubble will turn into a landlocked beach town where certain businesses close during off season periods. Your thoughts and opinions welcome. See you as a full-time neighbor coming early next year. Have a Great day!

Been full time residents for many years. Built expanded designer in LSL area as soon as it opened. Have actually NOT seen the "struggling" you describe ??? It was a bit difficult during the "pandemic", but fortunately Florida had few, and very short lived, restrictions. But while there were businesses closed, and continue to close, it's never long before a new one moves in, including Spanish Springs (which was the first of all the "town squares"). As an example, in our immediate neighborhood (about 20 year's old) near LSL, this summer 2 couples in their 80's have sold out and moved into "condo like" senior residences. The homes were both sold in 3 months or less, and are now occupied full time by recent retirees (ages58 and 63). Relatives who live in Village of El Santiago report similar in their neighborhood. I would certainly not foresee this development becoming a seasonal community where businesses close down for the "season" as you put it. There is a HUGE difference in closing down "beach" businesses in beach towns of northern states (sandwich stands, equipment rentals, etc.) and shutting down country clubs, hotels, restaurants, and so on. I don't know how many NEW restaurants are under construction right now, but "A LOT". Another thing you might consider, Costco, Sam's and B.J.'s are in The Villages. If you know anything about those corporations, you know they would definitely NOT be building in some "seasonal in land beach" type community...LOL !

[tophcfa]

Interesting thread. The OP has visited the Villages several times and has been doing extensive due diligence about where he wants to spend a good chunk his hard earned retirement savings. He is very wise to consider both the positives and potential issues of wherever he chooses to make his new home. People are often criticized on this forum for not doing their due diligence and then complaining later about things they should have know about beforehand. Ironically, some are now questioning him for trying to make such a big decision eyes wide open. I applaud him for being so thorough before making such an important decision and considering both the good and potential bad.

I have a few random thoughts on the concerns raised by the OP.

- The Villages never ages significantly, there is constant housing turnover for many reasons, including death, moving to assisted living, wanting to be closer to family and friends, seeking better and more accessible health care, etc…. Since we moved into our neighborhood 9 years ago, about half the homes have turned over and there has been a significant infusion of youth (by Villages standards).

- Speciality boutique retail stores have been closing rapidly in mature areas nationwide. This is not a trend unique to SS and LSL. Online shopping has basically killed that line of business everywhere. To the contrary, the vast number of big box stores in the northern section (with Costco coming soon), is evidence of that area thriving.

- The restaurant business has consistently had the highest failure rate of any business. The establishments that recently closed were basically drinking places that served mediocre pub food and attracted a large younger clientele from outside the bubble. That food is not fit for seniors to be eating on a consistent basis and won’t be missed by many. Dinning places come and go, but the well run and healthy options have better staying power.

- What areas are considered “shiny” is in the eyes of the beholder. I know many people, especially avid golfers, who would never consider living south of the golf mecca between the northern most parts of the Villages and Hillsborough Trail. I know others who don’t golf, but love having walking and bike paths that don’t allow golf carts and wouldn’t consider living north of 44. Neither area is better than the other, just different.

I would advise the OP to consider other potential issues not mentioned as part of his post in this thread. Those would include the availability of quality health care, the effects of investor owned properties and short term rentals, ever increasing traffic and congestion, the relatively non diversified economy of an area dominated by the largest retirement community in the world, the almost daily lighting from around mid June until early October, and the ever increasing expense of both homeowners and auto insurance. All that being said, the Villages is an absolutely wonderful place with no equal. It’s highly unlikely my wife and I would have a home in Florida if the Villages didn’t exist. Florida isn’t our calling, it’s life inside the bubble. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to have a beer with the OP when he becomes a fellow Villager : )

[Jayhawk]

Somethin might be going on at the old Margarita Republic space in Spanish Springs. Drove by today and the lower windows are all covered with dark paper and the lights were on inside.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

Somethin might be going on at the old Margarita Republic space in Spanish Springs. Drove by today and the lower windows are all covered with dark paper and the lights were on inside.

Yeah I've -heard- the rumor that Gator's Dockside only shut down temporarily and will be reopening in the Margaritaville property. That'd be great, if true. They really did make kickass steak and cheese subs even though their service was horrible.

[Topgun 1776]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Wondering why you want to become full time, with such doomsday forecasting?

Couldn't agree more!!!